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2016 Map of Mile High Lakes

Name: 2016 Topographic Map of Mile High Lakes
Creator: U.S. Geological Survey
Published: 2016
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/mark/1.0/

USGS Topo · Published 2016

About this map

Lochbuie and Brighton anchor the northern reaches of this High Plains landscape, where an intricate network of irrigation infrastructure transformed the arid terrain of Beebe Draw into a productive corridor. Water management defines the map, evidenced by the Speer Canal, Neres Canal, and the Denver-Hudson Canal, which feed a series of storage basins including Meeks Reservoir Number 1 and Bowles Reservoir Number 2. These human-made waterways were essential to the development of the region's agricultural and municipal growth.

To the south, the expansion of Commerce City and the northern edge of Denver contrast with the open space of Grass Valley. The massive footprint of Denver International Airport occupies the southeast, while the smaller Van Aire Airport serves local aviation needs. Along the western edge, the recreational and ecological importance of Barr Lake is highlighted by the Perimeter Trail, reflecting the modern balance between industrial utility, aviation infrastructure, and environmental preservation in Adams County.